Incredibly Clean 1990 Ranger Is a Compact Survivor

Daily Slideshow: The original Ford Ranger is a bit underappreciated in terms of value, but that won't last forever.

By Brett Foote - February 28, 2019
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Underappreciated Classic
1 / 10
Keeping It Clean
2 / 10
"Bigger" Engine
3 / 10
Row Your Own
4 / 10
Small Folks Only
5 / 10
Keep It Simple
6 / 10
Minor Repairs
7 / 10
Lots to Like
8 / 10
Simplicity Wins
9 / 10
Fine Fleet Addition
10 / 10

Underappreciated Classic

While many classic Ford trucks are currently skyrocketing in value, the same can't be said for the original Ford Ranger. This, despite the fact that clean examples are getting harder and harder to find. But now that the Ranger is back on the market, we think that will change in the near future. Hence, Rangers like this incredibly clean '90 we found at Bring a Trailer should eventually command higher resale values.  

Keeping It Clean

One thing's for sure - you won't find too many older Rangers as clean as this beauty. The nicely equipped XLT SuperCab hails from dry Arizona and shows just 89k miles on the odometer, which probably has something to do with that.  

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

"Bigger" Engine

This is no four-banger either, as it packs a 2.9-liter V6 under the hood. Not that this was a particularly powerful engine either, as it produced only 140 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. But it also got 20 mpg on the highway, which was the Ranger's focus during this day and age. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

Row Your Own

Gas mileage is further aided by the 5-speed manual transmission, which is something you won't find in a new Ranger. This particular truck reportedly runs well too, with just a new alternator, starter, and battery added recently. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

Small Folks Only

Hop inside, and you'll find a super clean interior sporting a comfy 60/40 split cloth bench seat. If you can manage to squeeze anyone back there, there are a pair of jump seats in the back, too. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

Keep It Simple

As you might remember, Rangers were economical and affordable trucks back in this time, so there aren't a ton of fancy options here. Just things like an AM/FM stereo, heater, and well, not much else. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

Minor Repairs

With much of the maintenance done, the seller did note that this Ranger might need a new clutch soon. But that's not too terrible given the overall clean condition of this truck, including the undersides.  

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

Lots to Like

Aside from the lack of power and air conditioning (crazy for a desert truck!), there isn't much to dislike about this clean old Ranger. Well, except maybe the lack of four-wheel drive, but that would just add further strain to the little V6. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

Simplicity Wins

And that's exactly what we love(d) about these little trucks - their simplicity. They were built for folks who needed a truck but didn't necessarily have to haul huge loads and/or didn't have a ton of money to spend on one. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

Fine Fleet Addition

Hopefully, Ford will grace us with a new, equally simple compact pickup in the near future. But in the meantime, we'd be happy to keep a fine old Ranger like this one in our own personal pickup collection! 

>>Join the conversation about this classic 1990 Ranger right here in Ford-Trucks.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our How-to section in the forum.

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